PhD in Pain Pharmacology and Neuroscience: Spinal Cord Stimulation and Neural Pathways

Newcastle University is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in Pain Pharmacology and Neuroscience, focusing on spinal cord stimulation and neural pathways. This project, supported by the Newcastle Neuroscience Fund (Project N5), aims to explore how electrical stimulation engages spinal cord circuits, with direct relevance to next-generation chronic pain therapies. The research bridges fundamental spinal neuroscience and clinical neuromodulation, with the potential to deliver new physiological biomarkers for smarter, more effective spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapies. As a PhD student, you will gain hands-on experience in electrophysiology and translational neuroscience, and develop deep insight into spinal circuits in both health and chronic pain. The project offers the chance to contribute to the development of next-generation SCS treatments, working within a vibrant research environment at Newcastle University. The studentship provides a stipend of £20,780 per annum for 2025/26, home tuition fees, and a research support allowance of £5,000 per annum. International students are welcome to apply and may be eligible for additional scholarships to cover the difference in tuition fees. The position is supervised by Ilona Obara (Reader in Pain Pharmacology and Neuroscience) and Alexander Kraskov, both based at Newcastle University. Applicants should have a strong academic background in neuroscience, pharmacology, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Experience with electrophysiology, neural circuit analysis, or translational neuroscience is desirable. Candidates must meet Newcastle University's entry requirements for PhD study, and international applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency. The application deadline is midnight, 6th March 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the project link or contact the supervisors directly at [email protected] or [email protected].